Name: Collard Greens Recipe: Hearty and Soulful
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs collard greens (chopped); 4 slices bacon (chopped (or ham hock, smoked turkey)); 1 onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional); Optional: Bacon bits (hot sauce); Suggested Pairings: Cornbread (sweet tea)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Collard Greens are a rich, comforting Southern classic, perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or soul food feasts. Tender greens simmered with smoked meat in a savory, smoky broth deliver deep, satisfying flavors that warm the soul. Served in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, these Collard Greens offer a vibrant, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers traditional Southern Collard Greens, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a heartwarming, flavorful experience.

Ingredients

For the Collard Greens:

2 lbs collard greens (about 2 large bunches), washed, stems removed, chopped
4 slices bacon, chopped (or 1 smoked ham hock, or 8 oz smoked turkey)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for balance)

For Serving:

Optional: Extra bacon bits, red pepper flakes, hot sauce
Suggested Accompaniments: Cornbread, black-eyed peas, fried chicken
Suggested Pairings: Sweet tea, lemonade
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
Suggested Equipment: Large pot or Dutch oven, tongs, colander

Step-by-Step Process

Prep Collard Greens: Wash collard greens thoroughly in cold water to remove grit. Remove tough stems, stack leaves, roll, and chop into 1-inch strips.
Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy, 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon, leaving the fat in the pot. (If using ham hock or turkey, add it with broth in the next step.)
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion to the pot; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer Greens: Add collard greens in batches, stirring until wilted, 2-3 minutes per batch. Add broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using). Add ham hock or turkey if using instead of bacon. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender. Add more broth if needed to keep the greens moist.
Finish and Serve: Remove ham hock (if used), shred meat, and return to pot. Stir in reserved bacon (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with bacon bits, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce, alongside cornbread, black-eyed peas, sweet tea, or lemonade.

Tips for Better Collard Greens

Wash greens thoroughly to remove all grit; soak in cold water if needed.
Remove tough stems for tender texture; chop leaves evenly for consistent cooking.
Cook bacon until crispy for rich flavor; reserve fat for sautéing.
Simmer to develop deep flavors; avoid boiling to prevent bitterness.
Taste before serving; add more vinegar or sugar for balance.
Use a slotted spoon to serve if you prefer less broth (pot likker).
For softer greens, extend cooking time to 2 hours, checking liquid levels.
Enhance aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl, garnish with bacon or red pepper flakes for a vibrant look.

Variations and Customization

Vegetarian Collard Greens: Omit bacon/ham hock, use vegetable broth, and add 1 tsp liquid smoke for flavor.
Vegan Collard Greens: Use vegetable broth, omit meat, and add 1 tsp liquid smoke and 1 tbsp olive oil.
Gluten-Free Collard Greens: Naturally gluten-free; ensure broth is gluten-free.
Low-Sodium Collard Greens: Reduce salt to 1/2 tsp and use low-sodium broth.
Spicy Collard Greens: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 tsp or add 1 diced jalapeño with garlic.
Sweet and Tangy Collard Greens: Increase brown sugar to 2 tbsp and add 1 tbsp extra vinegar.
Quick Collard Greens: Use pre-washed, pre-chopped greens; reduce cooking time to 45 minutes.
Low-Fat Collard Greens: Omit bacon, use 1 tbsp olive oil, and skip ham hock or use lean turkey.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days.
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring, for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Freeze in an airtight container for 3 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently to maintain texture.
Serve hot for the best flavor; cold greens may lose vibrancy.
Use leftover pot likker (broth) as a soup base or for dipping cornbread.
Don’t leave at room temperature for over 2 hours.
Pair with hearty sides like cornbread to complement the richness.
Presented in a white ceramic bowl with garnishes for an inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings (1 cup each, using bacon and chicken broth):

Calories: 150 kcal
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 8g
Vitamin A: 100% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 60% Daily Value
Calcium: 20% Daily Value
Iron: 10% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. These are high in vitamins A and C; try low-sodium or vegan versions. Serve with protein for balance.

Conclusion

This Collard Greens recipe offers a hearty, soulful dish perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a Southern classic. Its slow-simmered preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The tender greens and smoky broth, with charming garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its comforting appeal.